Cornell University awarded $980K to boost oats

Wednesday

Mar 29, 2017 at 12:24 PM

Cornell will advance research in the genetics and seed composition of oats.

By Julie Sherwood jsherwood@messengerpostmedia.com

U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer Kirsten Gillibrand announced Wednesday $980,000 in new federal funding for Cornell University. The grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture will support research and programs that help specialty crop growers, the senators said.

Specifically, Cornell will use the funding to advance research in the genetics and seed composition of oats; developing and evaluating new methods for North American breeders to use in the milling industry.

The money will help growers “achieve long-term viability, high yield, and labor efficient production of locally grown grains, fruits, and vegetables,” stated the release.

“Plant breeding involves far more than simply ensuring that crops grow better,” stated Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Our research aims to optimize the healthful components of the foods that families rely on every day. Oats play a crucial role in human nutrition, and this grant furthers our mission to improve health through innovative science.”

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